State and local presenters described multi-agency consolidation projects in the Monterey region as examples of how the Safer program’s technical assistance translates into construction and connections.

Presenters described a Gavilán consolidation project that includes more than 160 primary connections plus additional adjacent sources and multiple owners; staff said the project used grant funds and coordination with RCAC (Rural Community Assistance Corporation), engineering consultants and Monterey County. One presenter described a mobile-home park consolidation affecting roughly 160 homes and said community outreach secured participation rates above 95%.

Project engineers who discussed options for a small school with elevated arsenic said the school is currently using bottled water while a pilot and an engineering report run through the spring to determine the most feasible treatment option. Project-level cost examples were presented for a large regional consolidation (an example figure above $70 million was cited for a comprehensive regional consolidation) and staff stressed that refinancing and legal/title work were common barriers that the board’s assistance can help resolve.

Local advocates repeatedly raised access and trust issues: several speakers described how multi-page, documentation-heavy applications create barriers for residents with limited English or incomplete records. Meeting presenters said increased technical assistance, direct outreach and community-based engagement are key steps to improve participation and reduce delays.

Why it matters: consolidation can reduce the per-household cost of compliant water and provide long-term operational stability; however, projects can be costly and require careful outreach, title resolution and local partnerships to succeed.

What’s next: staff said planned site visits and continued county collaboration will follow the advisory meeting; engineering reports and town-hall outreach for individual projects are scheduled as the next implementation steps.